Top-of-the-Line Neurosurgery—Right
Here
As a result of 21st
century technology, neurosurgery can be performed more quickly
and less invasively than ever—with greater safety, less
trauma and shorter recovery times.
Southcoast Hospitals has
made a huge investment in computer image-guidance systems, operating
facilities and neurosurgical specialists to make state-of-the-art
brain and spine surgery available close to home.
The four neurosurgeons who
currently practice at Southcoast together perform some 700 surgical
procedures each year, making Southcoast a major provider of neurosurgery.
We sat down with Southcoast neurosurgeons Ronald Hantman, MD;
Alvin Marcovici, MD; Matthew Philips, MD; and Leslie Stern, MD,
to learn more.
Many people in the South
Coast aren't aware of the level of neurosurgery available here.
Dr. Philips:
Southcoast is committed to providing the best technology and
the best surgeons. We have the newest microscopes and the latest
computer-guided neurosurgery instruments at St. Luke's Hospital.
All the neurosurgeons have trained at top academic medical centers
and we maintain the same level of practice and technology that
you'd find in these teaching hospitals.
Dr. Hantman:
People don't realize that we've actually been doing delicate
brain surgery here in New Bedford and Fall River for decades.
Now we offer patients more powerful technology that is the standard
of neurosurgery. Our intra-operative monitoring system gives
us precision within a few millimeters, vital in surgery on the
delicate tissues and nerve pathways of the brain and spine.
Dr. Marcovici:
It all starts with diagnostics. I need to determine what course
of treatment will give them the best result. Sometimes it's surgery,
but treatment might include physical therapy, medication or injections—maybe
all of these. Best of all, everything can be coordinated close
to home.
Neurosurgery is more than
just the brain—spine surgery has become a big part of this
field.
Dr. Hantman:
Yes, because the brain and spine are closely interrelated. Our
goal as neurosurgeons is to preserve the brain/nerve function,
whether the root of the problem is in the brain or the spine.
We encounter more patients needing spine surgery than brain surgery.
Dr. Stern:
Some of the greatest advances in neurosurgery have been in spinal
surgery. Degenerative spine disease is common in our region and
demand for spinal surgery has grown rapidly over the past several
decades.
Dr. Marcovici:
My spine fellowship training has allowed me to bring new procedures
to repair spinal deformities like scoliosis—a type of neuro-surgery
not available in this community before. We can rebuild large
sections of the spine. We now can fix each segment of the spine
with individual cages, plates and screws rather than fuse a long
section with one device. Ten years ago, people were sometimes
left with an imbalance that could result in more pain and disability.
You've all trained at
top medical centers. What made you choose a community setting?
Dr. Philips:
I wanted to practice in a place that had some meaning for me.
This is my hometown and I'm able to provide top-of-the-line neurosurgery
in a community I love. At Southcoast my patients are never just
"another neuro case."
Dr. Marcovici:
It's all about taking care of patients here—that's the kind
of medicine I really love.
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Left to right:
Leslie Stern, MD, Ronald Hantman, MD, Alvin Marcovici, MD, and
Matthew Philips, MD |
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Dr. Hantman:
An important advantage to our surgical patients is the follow-up
care I can offer. Brain and spine patients need frequent follow-up
and they can get it all —therapy, diagnostics, everything—right
here.
What neurosurgery procedures
are offered at Southcoast?
Dr. Hantman:
Minimally invasive microsurgery, particularly for herniated discs,
using microscopes, lasers and x-rays is very exciting. The incision
is only about an inch, resulting in quicker and less painful
recovery. Spinal fusions can also be done using a similar technique.
Dr. Stern:
Many patients are benefiting from laser technology in disc and
other spine surgery. The laser is quite effective and precise
when you are performing disc surgery through very small incisions.
Minimally invasive surgery is more and more available—and
although it doesn't benefit all patients, we've had some great
successes.
Dr. Philips:
We offer the full scope of brain tumor surgery. Our computer-guided
system gives us a precise three-dimensional view of the brain.
We see these images while we are operating. We also provide highly
complex intra-operative monitoring with an electronic link to
neurologists during surgery. Our close relationships with other
specialists allow us to really coordinate our patients' care.
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